CAR: UN concerned over children suffering from malnutrition
Apr 26, 2014, at 05:27 pm
New York, Apr 26 (IBNS): The number of children being treated for severe acute malnutrition in the Central African Republic's war-torn capital, Bangui, has tripled since the beginning of 2014, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) confirmed on Friday, predicting that more children are likely to suffer in the coming months.
UN concerned over conflict-related sexual violence
Apr 26, 2014, at 05:18 pm
New York, Apr 26 (IBNS): Despite the current unprecedented political will to eliminate sexual violence in conflict, hold perpetrators to account and support victims, the reality is that raping a woman, child or man is still a largely "cost-free" crime, United Nations officials warned on Friday, appealing to all States to strengthen their cooperation to end impunity and protect the vulnerable.
Ukraine: Ban urges diplomatic solution to crisis
Apr 26, 2014, at 05:15 pm
New York, Apr 26 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called on all parties to seek a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis, warning that the situation could "spin out of control quickly," while the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that is opening a preliminary probe into alleged crimes of humanity committed in the country.
Algeria: Ban lauds peaceful polls, encourages democracy
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:42 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday congratulated the people and Government of Algeria on the peaceful holding of recent presidential elections and encouraged them to work together to strengthen the democratic process in the country.
UNESCO denounces killing of media workers in Syria
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:40 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom on Thursday urged respect for professional and citizen journalists after three media workers from a Lebanese television station were killed while reporting on clashes south of Damascus in Syria.
Stable societies vital for advancing development: UN
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:38 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): Peace and stability are vital if sustainable development is to take root and flourish, United Nations officials stressed on Thursday as the UN General Assembly met to consider how these essential conditions can contribute to eradicating poverty and ensuring well-being for all.
UN urges Bahrain to stop persecuting Shi'a Muslims
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:33 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): An independent United Nations human rights expert on Thursday urged the Government of Bahrain to stop the harassment and persecution of a Shi'a Muslim leader who was reportedly forced to leave the country following threats from State security agents to arrest him and his son.
Smaller farmers gain greater hold in banana market: UN
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:30 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): Banana markets are becoming more fragmented creating opportunities for new companies and smaller producers, the United Nations agricultural agency on Thursday reported, urging more support for smaller farmers to be fully included in their national economies and to grow resilient fruit.
Syria: UN confirms progress in removing chemical weapons
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:27 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): More than 90 per cent of Syria's chemical weapons material has been removed and destroyed in country, the head of the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations on Thursday confirmed.
South Sudan: UN condemns attack on convoy carrying aid
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:24 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has strongly condemned Thursday's attack on a convoy of barges delivering urgently needed food and fuel supplies to its base in Malakal in Upper Nile state.
Ukraine: UN calls for immediate de-escalation of violence
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:20 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply concerned about continued violence in eastern Ukraine, which has led to loss of life, further instability and which is contributing to a climate of fear and anxiety, his spokesperson said on Thursday.
Darfur: UN urges support for peace process
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:10 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): Stepped-up rebel attacks, clashes fuelled by local political rivalries, and mass displacement sparked by the abuses of a pro-Government militia have again left long-troubled Darfur at a crossroads, said the United Nations peacekeeping chief on Thursday, appealing to the UN Security Council and its African Union (AU) counterpart for political support to move the warring factions towards lasting peace.
UN urges greater action to combat sexual violence
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:06 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): Despite unprecedented political momentum to fight rape in war zones, sexual violence remains a global crime affecting women, men and children in more than 20 countries, a senior United Nations official announced on Thursday urging greater action at the regional and national levels.
UN discusses Fatah-Hamas reconciliation deal with Palestine
Apr 25, 2014, at 05:03 pm
New York, Apr 25 (IBNS): The reconciliation deal reached by rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas will be implemented on the basis of previous commitments such as the recognition of Israel and non-violence, a senior United Nations envoy was told on Thursday.
South Sudan: UN concerned over attack on base sheltering civilians
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:59 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Warning on Wednesday that the surging violence in South Sudan is clear evidence that the United Nations can no longer operate in "business-as-usual" mode in the county, the Organization's peacekeeping chief declared that the fighting must stop immediately; the Government has a duty to protect civilians; and the warring parties should negotiate a genuine ceasefire that will be respected by all sides.
Cote d'Ivoire: UN urges consultations on reforming electoral commission
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:55 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): A United Nations human rights expert on Wednesday called on authorities in Cote d'Ivoire to undertake broad consultations on the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to prevent the country from "falling back into crisis."
Syria: UN issues plea to save besieged civilians
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:51 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Calling urgently on Syrian authorities and the opposition to allow aid access, end siege warfare and halt the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, the top United Nations humanitarian officials on Wednesday also issued a strong challenge to "those with the responsibility, power and influence" to find the courage to re-energize a thus-far failed diplomatic push to end the brutal three-year conflict.
UN report spotlights potential of mobile technology
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:48 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Mobile technology can advance literacy and learning in underserved communities around the world, according to a new report published on Wednesday by the United Nations education agency on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day.
Mali: UN seeks continued support for peace and stability
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:41 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): Calling for continued cooperation with regional organizations to support Mali's steady efforts towards peace and stability through inclusive talks, a senior United Nations official on Wednesday told the UN Security Council that despite progress, the security situation in the country's restive north remains "very fragile" with increased activity by terrorist groups.
UN reaffirms support to peacebuilding in Somalia
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:38 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy in Somalia on Wednesday called on the country's international partners to boost support to aid peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts there, while reaffirming that the world body has no plans to withdraw amid attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.
DR Congo: UN pledges support to upcoming polls
Apr 24, 2014, at 05:35 pm
New York, Apr 24 (IBNS): The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will provide technical and logistical support for upcoming elections, the top UN official in the country on Wednesday confirmed, stressing that the planning for the polls must be well organized and well-funded.
South Korean ferry mishap: Death toll crosses 150
Apr 24, 2014, at 04:11 am
Seoul, Apr 23 (IBNS): The death toll from the ferry mishap in South Korea has touched more than 150 people media reports said on Wednesday.
UNESCO denounces killing of journalist in Philippines
Apr 23, 2014, at 05:30 pm
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has denounced the killing of journalist Rubylita Garcia and called on authorities in the Philippines to investigate the case.
UN urges respect for rights of persons with disabilities
Apr 23, 2014, at 05:18 pm
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): People with disabilities have the same rights as everyone to make decisions about their lives, including the right to take risks and make mistakes, a United Nations committee has stressed in new guidelines.
Somalia: UN condemns murder of second lawmaker
Apr 23, 2014, at 05:14 pm
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): Following the murder earlier on Tuesday of Somali parliamentarian Abdiaziz Isaaq Mursal - the second lawmaker to be killed in less than 48 hours in Mogadishu - the top United Nations official in the country strongly condemned the incident and pledged the world body's resolve in standing by the Somali people as they worked to build a stable, peaceful country.
South Sudan: UN concerned over surging violence, malnutrition
Apr 23, 2014, at 05:09 pm
New York, Apr 23 (IBNS): Confirming that children were killed in South Sudan during recent brutal attacks on displaced civilians or as a result of being recruited by armed groups, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday that the surging violence is exacerbating an already "very dangerous" malnutrition crisis.
UN condemns murder of Somali parliamentarian
Apr 22, 2014, at 05:02 pm
New York, Apr 22 (IBNS): The top United Nations envoy in Somalia on Monday condemned the murder of parliamentarian Isaak Mohamed Rino and called for the perpetrators of the attack to be brought to justice.
South Sudan: UN condemns ethnic killings in Bentiu
Apr 22, 2014, at 04:59 pm
New York, Apr 22 (IBNS): Opposition forces in South Sudan killed "hundreds of South Sudanese and foreign civilians" after determining their ethnicity or nationality when they captured Bentiu last week, the United Nations confirmed on Monday, calling for an immediate stop to the targeting of "innocent, unarmed" civilians.
Iraq: UN denounces attack on university in Baghdad
Apr 22, 2014, at 04:55 pm
New York, Apr 22 (IBNS): The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has denounced the "vicious and cowardly" suicide attack that took place on Sunday against the Imam Kadhim University in the capital, Baghdad.
UN warns Syria against holding election amidst crisis
Apr 22, 2014, at 04:43 pm
New York, Apr 22 (IBNS): Urging Syrian authorities to reconsider plans to conduct a presidential election in early June, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Joint UN-League of Arab States Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi on Monday pledged to continue to seek and build on any opportunity to resolve the country's three-year civil war.